Concealed stairway



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Aug. 28, 1951 MORRISON 2,565,778

CONCEALED STAIRWAY Filed Sept. 25, 1947 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG.6

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HAOKL'EY MORRtSON,

Aug. 28, 1951 I v H. MORRISON 2,565,778

' CCNCEALED STAIRWAY Filed Sept. 25, 1947 s sneetsl-sneet 6 FIG. l5.-

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Patented Aug. 28, 1951' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 9 Claims.

This invention relates to concealed stairways and more particularly to stairways of the type designed to afford access to an attic or the like through a trap door in the ceiling of the space below.

Various types of movable ladders'or stairs have been heretofore proposed for use in connection with a trap door in the ceiling, but such devices have for the most part either been unsightly or unwieldy, or both, and have not proved to be a satisfactory answer to the problem of convenient access to an attic.

While it has always been more or less neces sary to provide. some means by which an attic may be reached, the recent development of attic fans, in connection with house ventilating systems, has greatly increased the importance of and desirability for ready access to the attic.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a stairway construction which is normally stored inv such a manner as to be entirely out of sight, and which is yet easily manipulated into position to afford access to an overhead door.

A further object is to provide a concealed ladder so constructed that it may be moved from stored to operative position with a minimum of effort and without the necessity for lifting the same.

A still further object is to provide a ladder of this type in which the necessity for folding parts or for the use of counterweights is avoided.

Yet another object is to provide a ladder of this type which is light in weight, simple and stron in construction and practical and eiiicient in operation.

To this end the invention contemplates the in the nature of a step ladder, on the back of an ordinary swinging door of the usual standard is closed the stairway is completely concealed. More specifically, the invention contemplates mounting the stairway on the inside of the door of a closet or special recess built into the wall, so that the stairway is normally housed within such closet or recess.

Since such doors are usually less than 7 feet high, and since the ceiling is commonly at least 2 feet above the top of the door, another object of the invention is to devise, in combination with a main ladder of the type described, an auxiliary ladder for bridging the gap between the top of the door and the ceiling. Thus when the door is opened and the main ladder adjusted to operative position, with the auxiliary ladder in place, a continuous stairway is provided from floor to ceiling.

size, so that when the door In one form of the invention, the auxiliary ladder is in the nature of an extension, carried by and adapted to project above the door, while in another form, the auxiliary ladder is attached to I and constitutes a part of the trap door usually employed to close the opening in the ceiling.

In order that the invention may be readily understood, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, and in which I Fig. 1 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in section showing one form of my improved stairway as it appears when in position for use, such form including main and extension ladders.

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view showing in full lines the ladder stored in a closet, and in dotted lines the ladder as it appears when in position for use, with the closet door open. I

Fig. 3 is a side elevation, somewhat similar to Fig. 1 but on a slightly enlarged scale, showing the main and extension ladders and door on which they are supported, the ladders being in position for use.

Figs. 4 and 5 are side and front elevations respectively of the ladder and door assembly showing the main ladder as it appears when collapsed for storage.

Fig. 6 is a plan view illustrating parts of my improved extension ladder which cooperates with the main ladder.

Fig. 7 is a front elevation showing the extension ladder complete, in its collapsed position, the main ladder being omitted for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view substantially on the line 8-8 of Fig. '7 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary vertical section through the upper part of the extension ladder showing the relation between one of the steps and the door.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section similar to Fig. 8 but showing the extension in raised or operative position.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of the extension as shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the upper end of the main ladder showing how it is mounted on the door.

Fig. 13 is a vertical section substantially on.

the line I3--I3 of Fig. 12 looking in the direction of the arrow, the extension ladder being omitted for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but illustrating another form of the. invention in which the auxiliary ladder is carried by the overhead trap door, and

Fig. 15 is a detail on an enlarged scale illustrating the latch employed in connection with the trap door shown in Fig. 14.

Referring to the drawings in detail and first more particularly to Fig. 1, A designates the in-' terior wall of a house containing the usual studs B. Between two of these studs as shown in Fig. 2 is a closet or recess C closed by means of a suitable door E hinged at one of its vertical edges to a fixed frame D as indicated at F.

In new construction it may be desirable to use 6 inch studs at B instead of the usual 4 inch size, and if my improved stairway is to be installed in an existing house having the usual 4 inch studs, it may be necessary to jog or offset the back wall of the closet or recess slightly in order to provide suificient room to accommodate the ladder.

The usual ceiling is indicated at G and is shown as provided with an opening H, afiording access to the attic above, this opening being closed by F a hinged trap door I. The floor of the room or hallway containing the recess 0 is indicated at K. My improved ladder is attached to the back or inside of the upper part of the door E by means of two pairs of angle brackets I disposed one below the other as, shown in Fig. 13. Secured to and extending between each pair of angle brackets, on the inside thereof is a short section of box channel 2, as best shown in Figs. 12 and 13. A shaft 3 passes through the horses 6 forming a pivotfor the ladder and extends horizontally from onebox channel to the other and is supported at its ends on ball bearings enclosed Within the box channels. It will be understood that these ball bearings comprise the usual inner and outer raceways, the inner raceway being fast upon the shaft 3, and the outer raceway being capable of rolling on the inner surface of the box channels.

Set into the lower bracket I and projecting into the box channel 2 is a stop pin 5, positioned to be engaged by the ball bearing 4, to limit the downward movement thereof.

My improved stair or main ladder comprises the side members or horses 5, preferably angular in cross section as shown in Fig. 12. In practice I have found aluminum angles 1 x 1 satisfactory, being both light and strong. The ladder is made up of a series of fiat sheet metal steps 1, one edge of each of these steps being rolled around a rod 8 carried by and extending between the side members 6, and the other edge being rolled around a rod 9 extending between and connecting a pair of small frame members I9, constituting hand rails. I have found in practice that aluminum channels, 4" x are satisfactory for this purpose.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the main ladder comprises side members 6, hand rails I 0 and a series of steps I, normally, when in storage, occupying a collapsed position such as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 13, but that when in condition for use, these parts are opened up into the position shown in Figs. 1 and 3, with the steps extending substantially horizontally, these steps being capable of pivotal movement on the respective rods 8 and 9.

At the lower ends of the main side members 6 are mounted rollers II adapted to rest upon the floor and sustain the weight of the ladder as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5. A roller I2 is also mounted at the lower end of the outer edge 0f It will now be understood that improved stairway is in the nature of a step ladder, propped against the door itself. As above explained the ladder normally lies against the door in collapsed position as shown in Fig. 4. When however it is to be used, the door is opened as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2 and the lower end of the ladder pulled out from the door as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, so that the ladder occupies a some what inclined position, the upper end of the ladder sliding downwardly in the box channel 2 as the lower end is pulled out from the door.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, I provide a pair of brace rods I6, rigidly secured to one of the steps I and extending rearwardly toward the door, the free ends of these rods engaging plates I7, secured to the door. The ends of the rods I6 are connected by a tie rod I604.

In order to hold the ladder in expanded or operative position with the steps horizontal as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, I provide a pair of latches I8 pivoted at their rear ends to a rod I9 carried by the side members 6, the free ends of these latches being hook-shaped and adapted to engage under the ends of brackets 20 Welded to one of the steps.

It will be obvious that engagement of these hooks with the brackets 20 will serve to rigidly hold the steps in the position shown in Fig. 3. In order to counterbalance the weight of the steps and hand rail, and to reduce to a minimum the amount of effort required to move the parts to operative position, I provide one or more tension springs 2 I, as best shown in Fig. 3.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 13, inclusive, in which the auxiliary ladder is in the nature of an extension carried by the door, two pairs of auxiliary angle brackets 22 are secured to the upper end of the door at a point between the main brackets I. Welded to and extending vertically between thebrackets 22 of each pair is a short channel member 23 and constructed to fit and slide within these channel members are a pair of rectangular tubular members 24, rigidly united by means of cross members 25, as best shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

To the lower end of the frame constituted by the members 24 and 25 are secured brackets 26, to each of which, through a turn buckle 21, is attached the lower end of a rope or cable 28. This rope or cable passes upwardly over a pulley 29 mounted on one of the brackets I, and thence downwardly around another pulley 30 secured to the door, and is then anchored as at 3| to the side member 6 of the main ladder, as shown in Fig. 3.

It will thus be apparent that when the lower end of the main ladder is pulled out from the door from the position shown in Fig. 4 to that shown in Fig. 3, the rope or cable 28, operating over the pulleys 29 and 30 as shown will elevate or force the auxiliary frame 24, 25 upwardly, and cause it to project above the door to a point just below the ceiling, as shown in Fig. 1.

Positioned between. the rectangular tubular members 24 are a pair of auxiliary steps 32 and 34, each pivotally mountedon said rectangular tubular members and constituting therewith an extension ladder. The step 32 is pivoted at one edge on a rod 33, while the other edge is'free and preferably beaded. The step 34 is carried at the outer end of a pair of arms 35 pivoted at 36, thus providing the necessary leg clearance. These auxiliary steps 32 and 34 normally'lie close against the inner surface of the door E as shown in'Fig. 8 but when the extension ladder iselevated as above described, these steps ride out over the upper edge of the door as shown in Figs. 9 and 10'. They are held rigidly in a horizontal position by means of stop pins 3'! as shown in Fig. 10. A strip 38 is secured to the door for the edges of the steps 32 and 34 to slide on as they move, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

It will now be understood that the purpose'of the brace rods i6 is to hold the main ladder in the inclined position illustrated, against the pull of the cable 28, and thus sustain the weight of a person standing on the steps of the extension ladder.

By reference to Fig. 1 again it. will be seen that the auxiliary or extension ladder, comprising the steps 32 and 34, serves to bridge the gap between the top of the door E and the opening H 'in' the ceiling, and that these auxiliary steps, in combination with the main ladder, form a continuous flight from the floor to the ceiling.

When the main ladder is moved back against the door into the position shown in Fig. 4, the extension ladder moves downwardly by gravity into the position shown inFig. 8, the auxiliary steps 32 and 34 engaging the upper edge of the door, as they move downwardly, and being thereby turned on their pivots into upright position.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the mere act of adjusting the main stair or ladder to operative position serves toautomatically elevate the extension ladder into a position to form a continuation of the main flight.

It will be understood that in practice the opening H in the ceiling is so positioned, relative to the door E, that when the door is opened and extends substantially at right angles to the plane of the wall A, the door lies immediately below the opening H and the stairway is in position to afford ready access to such opening.

It will further be observed that the weight of the ladder is supported at all times on the floor, by means of the rollers II, and it is never necessary to lift the same.

It will also be apparent that the stairway, when stored, is completely concealed and out of sight and that the door on which the stairwa is carried, presents no different appearance when closed, from any other door in the house.

It will of course also be understood that instead of installing the device in a special recess such as C, it can be installed in an ordinary closet such as is commonly used for the storing of clothing. The ladder may also be mounted on the back of any other suitable door, such, for example, as a bathroom door, or a door to a cellar stairway, or even an outside door leading to a rear porch.

While in Figs. 1 to 13, I have shown the auxiliary ladder as in the nature of an extension, carried by the door on which the main ladder is mounted, in Figs. 1 and 15, I have illustrated a modified arrangement in which the auxiliary ladder is carried by or constitutes a part of the trap door which closes the opening in the ceiling.

Referring to these figures, the trap door is through a slot in the casing ll, tuting means by which the door may be manipulated. A suitable spring or counterweight (not shown at L, and is illustrated as hinged at 38, in such a manner that it swings downwardly to open position, instead of upwardly, as is usual. The hinge 38 is preferably located near the level of the attic floor, so as to permit the door to be effectively stopped and held rigidly in open position by a stout bracket, 40, secured to the edge of -the opening in the ceiling.

To the upper side of the trap door are fixed two or more steps 39, suitably braced, and so positioned as to constitute a continuationof the main ;ladder'6, I, and to bridge the gap between such main ladder and the opening in the ceiling. Preferably, the trap door L is held by the stop bracket 43 at approximately the same inclination or angle as that of the main ladder, so that the two ladders together constitute a continuous flight of steps extending from floor to ceiling.

The trap door may be held in closed position,

as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 14, by any suitable -means such as a latch secured to the free edge :of the door and comprising a casing 4| and a spring pressed latch member @2 adapted to en- 'gage a keeper 43. The latch member may be handle M, passing and also constioperated by means of a shown) is preferably provided, in order to reduce to a minimum the effort necessary to move the door.

What I claim is:

l. The combination with a closet having a fixed door frame, of a door hinged at one vertical edge to said frame, and a ladder mounted on the inside face of said door, and normally, lying closely thereagainst, whereby said ladder in concealed within said closet when the door is shut,

clined position in which it is propped by said door.

2. The combination with a wall having a recess, of a door hinged at one vertical edge to one side of said recess and closing the same, a ladder mounted on the inside face of said door and normally concealed within said'recess, means for holding said door against further swinging movement after it has been swung open to a position at substantial right angles to the plane of the wall, and means attaching the top of said ladder to the upper part of said door in such manner that the bottom may be moved away from the door until the ladder occupies an inclined position, in which position it is propped by said open door.

3. The combination with a building having a floor, of a door hinged to a fixed support at one vertical edge to swing over said floor with its lower edge closely adjacent thereto, a ladder having its upper end connected to said door for pivotal and limited vertical movement with respect thereto, and means for movably supporting the lower end of said ladder on said floor, whereby, when said door is swung to open position, the lower end of the ladder may be moved away from the door until the ladder occupies an inclined position in which it is propped by said door.

4. The combination with a fixed door frame, of a door hinged at one vertical edge to said frame, and a ladder mounted on the back of said door and normally lyin closely thereagainst, whereby said ladder is invisible from the front side of the door when the door is shut, and means attaching the top of said ladder to the upper part of said door in such manner that when the door is opened, the bottom of said ladder may be moved away from said door so that the ladder occupies an inclined position in which it is propped by said door, and in which the bottom of the ladder lies in substantially the same plane as the lower edge of said door.

5. The combination with a vertical support, of a main ladder movably attached at its upper end to said support, an extension ladder also mounted on said support and located adjacent the top of said main ladder, and means operatively conmeeting said ladders for automatically elevating said extension ladder when the bottom of said main ladder is moved outwardlyfrom said support.

6. The combination with a vertical support, of a main ladder pivotally and slidably connected at its upper end to said support and normally occupying a vertical position, an extension ladder mounted for sliding movement on said support adjacent the upper end of said main ladder, and means operatively connecting said ladders for automatically elevating said extension ladder when said main ladder is moved from said vertical to an inclined position.

7. The combination with a door hinged at one vertical edge, of a main ladder movably mounted at its upper end on said door and normally lying closely there against, an extension ladder slidably mounted on said door adjacent the top of said main ladder, and normally disposed wholly below the upper edge thereof, and means operatively connecting said ladders whereby, when the bottom of said main ladder is moved outwardly from said door, said extension ladder is projected upwardly beyond the upper edge of said door.

8. The combination with a door, hinged at one vertical edge, of a rigid ladder mounted on the back of said door and normally lying closely thereagainst, whereby said ladder is invisible from the front side of the door when the door is shut, and means attaching the top of the ladder to the upper part of the door in such manner that said ladder is capable of pivotal and limited vertical movement with respect to said door, whereby, when said door is opened, the bottom of the ladder may be moved away from the door until the ladder occupies an inclined position in which it is propped by the door, and in which the bottom of the ladder lies substantially in the same plane as the lower edge of the door.

9. The combination with a closet having a fixed door frame, and a door hinged at one vertical edge to said frame, of a rigid ladder having its upper end connected to the inside of said door at a point near the top thereof for pivotal and vertical movement with respect thereto.

HACKLEY MORRISON.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 145,844 Chipley Dec. 23, 1873 172,830 Stewart et a1. Feb. 1, 1876 201,844 Smith et a1 Mar. 26, 1878 269,377 Bessier Dec. 19, 1882 521,707 Eckley et al; June 19, 1894 573,165 Scherrer Dec. 15, 1896 743,199 Scherrer Nov. 3, 1903 819,553 Keith May 1, 1906 826,884 Reynolds July 24, 1906 1,539,268 Norman May 26, 1925 1,811,706 Bessler June 23, 1931 1,953,038 Bessler Mar. 27, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country, Date 58,626 Sweden Apr. 15, 1925 184,218 Switzerland Aug. 1, 1936 224,055 Great Britain Nov. 6, 1924 

